Ministry of the Environment: Agricultural Waste Control Regulation Consultation

DECEMBER 1, 2017 – The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is reviewing the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation (AWCR) under the Environmental Management Act (EMA).  The AWCR review process follows the ministry policy of continuous improvement and commitment to review the regulations on a regular basis and revise provisions as appropriate.

In August 2017, the Minister announced a review of the Hullcar Valley regarding water quality concerns in the Hullcar aquifer to be done by the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance from the University of Victoria.  The Hullcar Review Recommendations Report was released today and includes recommendations for changes to the AWCR (News Release<https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2017ENV0065-001991>).  As part of the review process, the ministry is issuing an Intentions Paper to consult with the public and stakeholders on these recommendations from November 30, 2017 to January 15, 2018.

The Ministry would be pleased to receive comments on the proposed changes by January 15, 2018, and will consider all comments received on the Intentions Paper to finalize policy and prepare drafting instructions for legal drafting of a proposed amended regulation.  It is anticipated that regulatory changes to the AWCR will be made in 2018.

More information on the AWCR Review, the consultation process and the Intentions Paper can be found on the AWCR webpage, or at the following link: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/industrial-waste/agriculture.  Comments may be sent to [email protected].

Chris Jenkins, Director, Environmental Standards Branch,
Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy